The race is on. With registration for Canada's most successful mountain bike race just under two weeks away, riders eager to claim one of the 800 spots are busy developing strategies to ensure that they're one of the lucky ones.

Registration for the 2011 edition of the North Shore Credit Union Test of Metal opens at 6:00 pm on January 1st.

Last year the race sold out in less than 25 minutes, a record for the quickest sell-out yet.

"This year we're looking forward to see what happens, and we think we'll come close to the 2010 record," Miller said

The race, which has been running on its current course since 1996, attracts mountain bikers from around the world and has become the most anticipated event on BC mountain biking calendar.

Past participants include Canadian Olympians Alison Sydor, Geoff Kabush, and Seamus McGrath, as well as notable celebrities like Vancouver Canuck icon Trevor Linden

The success of the race rests on the work of the more than 300 Squamish volunteers who ensure that riders enjoy the best experience possible.

"There's no question that the people of Squamish make this race what it is," said Miller. "With this race, the Ore Crusher, the GearJammer, and Just Another Bike Race we've set the standard throughout Canada for mountain bike races."

Registrations will only be accepted on-line through the Test of Metal website at www.testofmetal.com.

Miller also said that the Test of Metal will continue with its no wait-list policy of last year.

TOM Inc is a not-for-profit entity that has, since its inception in 1996, returned in excess of $132,000 back to the local Squamish community.